Be An Informed Voter

Over the last many months our airwaves and television broadcasts have been inundated with political ads. I am certain that we will all be glad when the election is over. By now, most people have made up their minds as to which candidates will receive their vote. The question, however, is, “Will you vote?” Furthermore, what criteria have you used to base your decision upon? Has it been out of emotion, fear, hope, promises made by the candidate, or a candidate’s stand on the issues?

Many Christians argue that they should not be involved in the political process – and yet these same individuals will complain when they see the elected officials making decisions and establishing laws that are contrary to the Word of God. The major issues that have been at the forefront of this campaign have included: the economy, unemployment, taxes, regulations on small businesses, health care, women’s reproductive rights, gay marriage, immigration reform, abortion, lies, scandals, LGBT “rights”, and constitutional judges. Many of these issues have a direct impact on the family, and many of them go against our doctrinal core fundamental beliefs. For example, gay marriage continues to erode the very foundational core of God’s design for marriage – that being, the union of one man and one woman. Higher taxes, unemployment, and under-employment cause financial difficulties for every family irrespective of their income. Do you know where your candidates of choice stand on these issues? Do you know what God’s Word states concerning each? Do you know that there are some politicians who would like to pass laws that would silence pastors from preaching about these topics? Granted, a pastor should restrict himself from endorsing a candidate from behind the pulpit – but he does have a commandment from God to preach the truth concerning these issues from the Bible – such that one can view a candidate’s stand in light of God’s Word.

We must understand that God ordained governments – and we have been instructed by God as to how we are to be good citizens. In 1 Peter 2:13-16 we read,

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”

And in 1 Timothy 2:1-4,

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

However, we do not have to submit to laws that contradict God’s Word.

The United States’ Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” We see here that those holding office derive their powers and direction from the consent of the governed. The “governed” is all of the citizenry. On November 8th we will have the liberty and the responsibility to cast our votes for those candidates that are running for office. Each one of us who is a registered voter should go to the voting booth as an “informed” voter. You and I have a responsibility as a governed citizen to: a) pray about our voting decision, b) vote for candidates that align with our beliefs and convictions – based upon God’s Word (even if they aren’t the most popular candidate), and c) pray for those elected to office. So please – vote as an [informed] voter. For, to do otherwise would be sinful.